Tropical Storm Erika headed toward Florida

Two days after the first Atlantic hurricane of the season dissipated near the Caribbean, officials have activated the State Emergency Operations Center in preparation for what could become the second.

National Weather Service models predict Tropical Storm Erika will become a hurricane by 8 a.m. Monday, before which it could make landfall in Southwest Florida. The state falls within the storm's five-day "cone of error."

The tropical cyclone is currently located east of the Caribbean Sea, and has a maximum sustained windspeed of 45 miles per hour.

“Too many variables still exist for us to be able to accurately predict where this storm might impact us or how strong it may be if it does,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan Koon in a news release.  “We are preparing the protective and responsive measures we will need if the storm continues to develop out of an abundance of caution.”